If you’ve ever had a damaged or weakened tooth, you might have considered getting a dental crown. Whether it’s a front tooth, a back tooth, or part of a dental bridge, crowns can dramatically enhance the appearance, function, and protection of your teeth. But what does the process involve? And what kind of results can you expect? Let’s explore the journey of tooth crowns before and after to help you understand how this treatment can fully restore your smile.
What Is a Dental Crown and Why Might You Need One?
A dental crown is a customised cap that covers a damaged or weakened tooth to regain its shape, strength, and appearance. It is designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, ensuring both functionality and aesthetics.
When Might You Need a Dental Crown?
A dentist may recommend a crown for various reasons, including:
- Severe Tooth Decay – When a tooth is too damaged for a regular filling.
- Cracked or Broken Tooth – To reinforce a tooth that has suffered trauma.
- Root Canal Treatment – A crown protects the treated tooth from further damage.
- Cosmetic Dentistry – To boost the appearance of misshapen or discoloured teeth.
- Dental Bridge Support – Crowns are used as anchors to hold a dental bridge in place.
- Dental Implant Covering – A crown is placed over a dental implant to function like a real tooth.
By protecting and reinforcing the tooth, a dental crown helps restore both the function and beauty of your smile.
The Tooth Crown Procedure: What to Expect
Getting a dental crown typically involves two main appointments with your dentist, ensuring that your tooth is properly prepared and restored with a durable, natural-looking crown.
1. Your First Appointment: Preparing the Tooth
During your visit, your dentist will examine the affected tooth and take impressions to ensure a perfect fit. The preparation process involves:
- Shaping the tooth by removing decay or damaged areas
- Making room for the crown to fit securely and properly.
- Taking impressions to design a crown that matches your natural teeth
- Placing a temporary crown while your permanent one is being made
2. Your Second Appointment: Placing the Permanent Crown
When your porcelain crown or chosen material is ready, you’ll visit the dentist for its placement. This involves:
- Removing the temporary crown
- Ensuring the fit, colour, and shape match perfectly
- Securing the crown with dental cement
- Making final adjustments to ensure proper bite and function
Tooth Crown Before and After: What Changes Can You Expect?
Getting a dental crown can significantly transform the look, function, and health of your teeth. Here’s what you can expect before and after the procedure:
1. Strength and Function Restored
- Before: A weakened or damaged tooth that may cause discomfort while chewing.
- After: A fully restored tooth that allows you to eat comfortably without worry.
2. Aesthetic Improvement
- Before: A chipped, misshapen, or discoloured front tooth affecting your smile.
- After: A seamless, natural-looking tooth that blends perfectly with your natural teeth.
3. Protection Against Further Damage
- Before: A vulnerable tooth prone to decay, fractures, or additional breaks.
- After: A dental crown that acts as a protective shield, reinforcing the tooth and preventing further damage.
4. Better Alignment and Shape
- Before: A tooth that is irregular in shape or size, affecting your bite and overall dental harmony.
- After: A properly contoured crown that improves alignment and supports crowns and bridges.
A dental crown not only enhances the appearance of your smile but also enhances durability and function, ensuring long-term protection and confidence.
What Material Should You Choose for Your Crown?
- Porcelain Crowns – Ideal for upper front teeth, mimicking the natural look of enamel.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns – A balance of strength and aesthetics.
- Gold or Metal Crowns – Best for back teeth due to their durability.
- Zirconia Crowns – Ultra-strong and resistant to wear and tear.
Your dentist will help you select according to your needs and budget.
Caring for Your New Crown: Tips for Longevity
To keep your dental crown looking and functioning at its best, follow these essential care tips:
- Use a Soft Toothbrush: A soft toothbrush helps prevent wear on both natural and crowned teeth.
- Floss Gently: Clean around the gum line to prevent plaque buildup.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Biting down on hard things may damage your crown.
- Limit Staining Foods and Drinks: Coffee, tea, and wine can alter the colour over time.
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Routine check-ups ensure your crown remains in top condition.
Crowns and Bridges: When Are They Used Together?
A dental bridge replaces a missing tooth, with crowns and bridges working together to restore your smile. The neighbouring teeth are fitted with crowns, acting as supports for the bridge.
Before and After for Bridges
Before: A gap in your upper or lower teeth causing difficulty in chewing and speech.
After: A fully restored smile with a natural appearance and improved function.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
With proper care, porcelain crowns and other types can last between 10 to 15 years, sometimes longer. Regular check-ups and good oral hygiene play a crucial role in longevity.
Is Getting a Crown Painful?
Some discomfort may occur during preparation, but the procedure itself is generally simple, thanks to anaesthesia. After placement, you might feel mild sensitivity for a few days, but this typically subsides quickly.
Ready for a Smile Makeover?
If you’re considering dental crowns, take the first step by scheduling an appointment with your dentist. Whether you need to protect a tooth, enhance your appearance, or restore function, crowns provide a reliable and natural-looking solution.
Contact Beyond Infinity Dental at (02) 8806 3799 to explore treatment options, tooth crown before and after transformations, and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile!
References
- Healthline. (n.d.). Foods that stain teeth. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/foods-that-stain-teeth
- Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Oral hygiene. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16914-oral-hygiene
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Dental implants: What you should know. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/dental-devices/dental-implants-what-you-should-know
